Passive Wiring Connector for Vehicle Window Electrical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle electrical systems face challenges in automatically and safely disconnecting electrical devices from the power source when vehicle windows or rear gates are opened, potentially leading to electrical hazards and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A passive electrical connector with a plunger and biasing member that moves between retracted and extended positions to connect and disconnect electrical terminals as the window or rear gate moves between closed and open positions, ensuring safe and efficient power supply to electrical devices like defoggers and wipers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the window member is made moveable to improve ventilation and visibility, then ease of operation is improved, but electrical connection reliability deteriorates because terminals may become misaligned or disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed with a plunger that can dynamically change position between retracted and extended states. When the window moves, the plunger extends to maintain electrical contact between terminals, adapting to the changing spatial relationship and preventing disconnection while allowing full window movement freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger acts as an intermediary element between the fixed terminal on the vehicle body and the movable terminal on the window member. It bridges the gap created by window movement, ensuring continuous electrical connection without restricting window mobility
2Reliability
If manual electrical connection is used to ensure reliable power supply, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and safety risks increase due to exposed terminals and potential accidental contact
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector system is designed to automatically perform connection and disconnection functions without requiring manual intervention. The plunger self-actuates based on window position, extending to connect terminals when the window is closed and retracting to disconnect when opened, eliminating the need for manual wiring operations and reducing safety risks from exposed terminals
3Ease of operation
If the plunger is spring-loaded to ensure automatic connection, then ease of operation is improved, but the connector may inadvertently disconnect during normal window movement
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing force of the spring-loaded plunger is carefully calibrated to change its effectiveness based on window position. When the window is closed, the plunger is compressed and maintains strong contact force. When the window opens and the gap increases, the spring extends and the connection is naturally broken, preventing inadvertent disconnection during movement while ensuring stable connection when closed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution automatically connects and disconnects electrical devices from the power source as the window or rear gate moves, ensuring safe operation and convenient electrical connections, preventing accidental electrical hazards and maintaining device functionality during vehicle use.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that biases the plunger toward the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle body that supports an electrical line that is electrically connected to a power source and that terminates at a first terminal. The vehicle also includes a window member with an electrical device supported thereon. A second terminal of the electrical device is supported on the window assembly, and the window member is moveable relative to the vehicle body. The vehicle further includes a passive electrical connector with a plunger that moves between a retracted position and an extended position. The passive electrical connector also includes a biasing member that biases the plunger toward the extended position. The passive electrical connector electrically connects the first and second terminals when the window member is in a first position. The plunger is biased toward the extended position when the window member is in the second position to electrically disconnect the first and second terminals.